The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers share a captivating rivalry, fueled by memorable clashes on the grandest stages. Notably, the Buccaneers dealt the Chiefs a decisive blow in Super Bowl LV with a 31-9 victory. On November 4, 2024, however, the Chiefs returned the favor, escaping with a 30-24 overtime win that leveled the all-time series at 8-8. This showdown featured electric buildups, critical injuries, and intense stakes for both teams, culminating in a high-octane offensive display.
Mahomes vs. Mayfield: Quarterback Duel
The latest chapter of this rivalry centered on the quarterback duel between Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield.
| Player | Passing Yards | Completion % | TDs | INTs | QB Rating | Rushing Yds | Longest Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 291 | 67.5% | 3 | 0 | 105.2 | 19 | 54 |
| Baker Mayfield | 200 | 60.0% | 2 | 1 | 89.8 | 15 | 45 |
Mahomes showcased his mobility with 19 rushing yards, including a pivotal run to extend the drive. Meanwhile, Mayfield’s late surge forced overtime, underlining his resilience and knack for delivering when it mattered most.
Ground Game Breakdown
Rushing proved to be a crucial factor in overtime, as the Chiefs sealed victory with a decisive ground attack.
| Team | Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Avg. Yards/Carry | Longest Run | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Kareem Hunt | 27 | 106 | 3.9 | 15 | 1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 7 | 0 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Samaje Perine | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 10 | 0 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Carson Steele | 3 | 9 | 3.0 | 5 | 0 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Xavier Worthy | 2 | -10 | -5.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Mar’Keise Irving | 7 | 24 | 3.4 | 8 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sterling Shepard | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 19 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Baker Mayfield | 4 | 20 | 5.0 | 10 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rachaad White | 3 | 19 | 6.3 | 9 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sean Tucker | 3 | 11 | 3.7 | 5 | 0 |
Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt led the charge with 106 yards on 27 carries, punching in the game-winning 2-yard touchdown in overtime. The Buccaneers leaned on a balanced approach, but their short-yard gains weren’t enough to outlast Kansas City’s explosive plays.
Aerial Performances
The passing attack was equally pivotal, featuring standout performances from top receivers and tight ends.
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Yards/ Catch | YAC | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce (KC) | 16 | 14 | 100 | 7.1 | 45 | 0 |
| DeAndre Hopkins (KC) | 9 | 8 | 86 | 10.8 | 30 | 2 |
| Cade Otton (TB) | 11 | 8 | 77 | 9.6 | 25 | 1 |
| Trey Palmer (TB) | 4 | 2 | 33 | 16.5 | 10 | 0 |
Travis Kelce was Mahomes’ go-to option in tight spots, while DeAndre Hopkins hauled in two touchdowns to break the game open. For Tampa Bay, Cade Otton’s clutch receptions underscored Baker Mayfield’s trust in him when the stakes were highest.
Defensive Showdown
Despite the final being 30-24, both defenses made their presence felt, especially in high-pressure moments.
| Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | QB Pressures | INTs | Forced Fumbles | Defensive TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | 70 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 65 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The Chiefs’ pass rush (4 sacks, 8 pressures) consistently disrupted Baker Mayfield’s timing, while the Buccaneers excelled at goal-line stands to keep the game competitive. Both teams forced a single fumble, exemplifying the hard-hitting intensity of this showdown.
Key Plays — Overtime Thriller
A breakdown of the most influential moments that shaped the game’s trajectory:
| Quarter | Time | Play Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 10:55 | Mahomes’ 1-yard TD pass to Hopkins | Gave KC a 10-7 lead, early momentum swing. |
| 3rd | 3:24 | Mayfield’s 11-yard TD to Otton | Put TB ahead 14-10, sparked Bucs’ offense. |
| 4th | 0:46 | Mahomes’ 7-yard TD pass to Perine | Tied it 17-17, forced a do-or-die finish. |
| 4th | 14:33 | Mayfield’s 1-yard TD pass to Miller | Forced OT at 24-24, Bucs resilience. |
| OT | 5:52 | Hunt’s 2-yard rushing TD | Clinched KC’s 30-24 OT victory. |
These key drives and plays showcased both teams’ grit and talent, setting the stage for a down-to-the-wire overtime finish.
MVP & Outstanding Performers
Game MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes earned MVP honors with 291 passing yards, 3 TDs, and clutch overtime heroics. His improvisation and leadership elevated the Chiefs’ offense to new heights.
Outstanding Contributor: Travis Kelce
Kelce’s 14 receptions for 100 yards provided Mahomes a lifeline on critical downs. His yards-after-catch and route finesse kept Tampa Bay’s defense off balance.
Defensive Star: Devin White (TB)
Despite the loss, LB Devin White posted 10 tackles and 2 sacks, commanding the Bucs’ front seven. His aggression and speed showcased the defense’s potential.
Playoff Implications
The Chiefs’ record improves to 8-0, bolstering their odds for a top AFC seed. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers slip to 4-5, facing a tough path to maintain playoff hopes. With the all-time series now tied 8-8, this rivalry continues to evolve in dramatic fashion.
The Chiefs’ 30-24 overtime victory against the Buccaneers encapsulated the fierce competitiveness between these teams. Both offenses flashed brilliance, while both defenses delivered key stops. Ultimately, Kansas City’s overtime ground game sealed the deal, marking yet another unforgettable chapter in this captivating rivalry.
A Rivalry Through the Years: Chiefs vs. Buccaneers
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built a competitive rivalry over the years, marked by intense matchups and memorable moments. Below is a summary of their last 10 encounters:
Recent Matchups
| Date | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | 30-24 | Kansas City |
| Oct 2, 2022 | Kansas City Chiefs | 41-31 | Tampa Bay |
| Feb 7, 2021 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 31-9 | Neutral (Super Bowl LV) |
| Nov 29, 2020 | Kansas City Chiefs | 27-24 | Tampa Bay |
Historical Matchups
| Date | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2016 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 19-17 | Kansas City |
| Oct 14, 2012 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 38-10 | Tampa Bay |
| Nov 2, 2008 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 30-27 | Kansas City |
| Nov 7, 2004 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 34-31 | Tampa Bay |
| Nov 14, 1999 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 17-10 | Tampa Bay |
| Sep 5, 1993 | Kansas City Chiefs | 27-3 | Tampa Bay |
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Super Bowl LV: Tampa Bay’s 31-9 victory in February 2021
remains a defining game, as the Buccaneers secured their second championship.
Recent Dominance: The Chiefs have held the edge in their
latest meetings, winning three consecutive games since 2020, until the Bucs’
Super Bowl upset.
A Balanced Series: Through iconic matchups and marquee
showdowns, the Chiefs and Buccaneers have traded wins, setting the stage
for more thrilling encounters. From Kansas City’s recent streak to Tampa
Bay’s Super Bowl triumph, fans can expect this rivalry to remain a
must-watch affair.
